Hawkins defense has really improved

[UConnSwag11]

When he dribbled at the top of the key and just lost the ball I did this:

Lol yeah same. But he’s improving and playing more aggressively on defense. Really like where he’s heading

 

[HooperScooper]

Lol yeah same. But he’s improving and playing more aggressively on defense. Really like where he’s heading

Agree. He's definitely more confident now. Just work on that handle in the offseason.

 

[MexicoHusky]

Dan Hurley deserves a lot of credit for Hawkins D. We all wanted more pt for Hawkins and the other freshman. In particular Hawkins. Dan Hurley never waivered a bit. To play significant minutes your D has to be solid.

Nice work Dan Hurley. Hawkins is much more capable of playing multiple minutes on both side of the floor because of you.

 

[Khal Drogo]

When he dribbled at the top of the key and just lost the ball I did this:

Me too

So I'm assuming you failed your science Gen Eds.

So I'm assuming you failed your science Gen Eds.

I’m ready for our Chat

 

[8893]

Don't know if this was mentioned in the various post-game threads, but one of my low-key favorite moments last night was when Hawkins blocked Arcidiacono to the floor and then glowered over him.

Prior to that, @August_West and I were discussing how Nova appeared to be running plays at him as soon as he was on the floor. It seemed like he got frustrated being targeted and wanted to let it be known that he was not an easy mark. I liked the attitude; it was just enough.

He also played some good defense on Gillespie for a few possessions and had a couple of nice rebounds.

Would have loved for one of his threes to fall, but it was also nice to see him hit the elbow jumper when they took the three away; and a nice pass to Sanogo that would have been an assist, but for Sanogo being fouled.

 

[superjohn]

Don't know if this was mentioned in the various post-game threads, but one of my low-key favorite moments last night was when Hawkins blocked Arcidiacono to the floor and then glowered over him.

Prior to that, @August_West and I were discussing how Nova appeared to be running plays at him as soon as he was on the floor. It seemed like he got frustrated being targeted and wanted to let it be known that he was not an easy mark. I liked the attitude; it was just enough.

He also played some good defense on Gillespie for a few possessions and had a couple of nice rebounds.

Would have loved for one of his threes to fall, but it was also nice to see him hit the elbow jumper when they took the three away; and a nice pass to Sanogo that would have been an assist, but for Sanogo being fouled.

Hawkins defense was nasty last night.

 

[Umami Zen]

Showing he's a two way player at this level. Moving his feet on D instead of hands only. Think he's finally figured out that D/boards keeps him on the floor whether shots are falling or not.

 

[MTBingNinja]

Great to see him play well last night. As a freshman this year, we have to live with his ups and downs as he gets acclimated to this level of play. Would expect him to be more consistent next year. Hope he works on his handle. His confidence will come.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Don't know if this was mentioned in the various post-game threads, but one of my low-key favorite moments last night was when Hawkins blocked Arcidiacono to the floor and then glowered over him.

Prior to that, @August_West and I were discussing how Nova appeared to be running plays at him as soon as he was on the floor. It seemed like he got frustrated being targeted and wanted to let it be known that he was not an easy mark. I liked the attitude; it was just enough.

He also played some good defense on Gillespie for a few possessions and had a couple of nice rebounds.

Would have loved for one of his threes to fall, but it was also nice to see him hit the elbow jumper when they took the three away; and a nice pass to Sanogo that would have been an assist, but for Sanogo being fouled.

I didn't notice that but it wouldn't surprise me. Jay Wright knows what he's doing for sure. Earlier in the year, attacking Hawkins was a smart move. Not anymore. He's really using those long arms and moving his feet. Once he ads 10-15 pounds of muscle he's going to be nasty.

They ran ISO plays on Polley a couple times. Looking at some of the replay it seemed like Kimani then had him back off the outside shooter and shade toward the lane a bit more, and that helped keep him from getting beat off the dribble. Not sure I've seen that before yesterday. With his length he really doesn't have to guard so close against guys that can put it on the floor.